What Is Cefpodoxime?

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic drug that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of related antibiotics called the cephalosporins, which bear some relationship to penicillin. The medication comes in a variety of forms and dosage amounts. Like all antibiotics, cefpodoxime has side effects, interacts with other drugs, and may not always the best choice given a patient’s underlying medical conditions.

Some of the medical conditions for which cefpodoxime is indicated include bronchitis, cystitis, and sinus infections. The drug can also be used to treat pneumonia, tonsil infections, and gonorrhea. Other applications for this broad-spectrum antibiotic include its use for skin or soft-tissue infections and middle ear infections.

When considering the appropriateness of cefpodoxime, doctors must acknowledge this drug is a cephalosporin. People are often allergic to more than one cephalosporin, and chance of allergic reaction to any drug in this group is increased if patients are already allergic to penicillin. Cephalosporins can be very effective medications but must be used with caution in people with penicillin allergy.

The most common way this medication is delivered is orally, in the form of tablets. It may also be available in elixirs for easier swallowing and serums for intravenous delivery. Typically, doses range from 100-400 milligrams (mg) twice a day, though the precise dose may depend on age and the condition being treated. No matter what the indications, all patients should fully finish the prescribed medication, unless they’re advised by a physician to do otherwise.

Cefpodoxime does have side effects. Serious ones requiring immediate medical attention include allergic reaction, jaundice, sudden onset of flu symptoms, or reduction in urinary output. Other severe side effects are seizures and bloody diarrhea.

More minor side effects to cefpodoxime should still be reported if they are bothersome. These include stomach problems like vomiting or diarrhea, vaginal yeast infections, thrush infection, or sudden increase in anxiety. On the other hand, many patients taking this medication don’t experience any side effects.

There are some noted drug interactions with cefpodoxime. People taking drugs like lithium, antacids or medicines that contain aspirin or ibuprofen may need a different antibiotic. For safety, patients should provide doctors with a list of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications they regularly take to prevent any drug interactions.

The biggest contraindication to cefpodoxime is allergy to other cephalosporins. Patients with a history of kidney disease may also require a different antibiotic. Some people with past or present bowel disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis, might need another medication, too.